Charlemont Street Masterplan

Following a 2003 competitive interview, Dublin City Council commissioned PKA to prepare a masterplan for the council-owned lands at Charlemont Street, Dublin 2.

PKA's scheme proposed the replacement of six freestanding blocks that previously stood on the site with 245 new units, and optimising the site's potential as a mixed-tenure community, that included proposals for rehousing existing tenants in new purpose-built apartments within their own neighbourhood.

Designed around established urban design principles, PKA's masterplan set-out a vision for the regeneration project, replacing the freestanding 1960s flats with a vibrant urban environment, a high quality public realm, and a sustainable mix of social, affordable and private housing, along with new community facilities and complimentary commercial uses.

Designed around a new urban structure, PKA's street network proposal was intended to provide the area with a number of new pedestrian links - connecting local amenities, services and streets surrounding the site into a coherent attractive and connected urban enclave.

Engaging with existing tenants was a key element in developing the masterplan design design; in public meetings and workshop sessions, PKA took on board issues raised by residents, with the result PKA's masterplan was unanimously endorsed by residents, elected members and DCC officials.

Following completion of the masterplan, PKA was further commissioned to advance the scheme design for a first phase of 70 social housing units, which obtained Part 8 approval from the city Council. The site was subsequently disposed of by the city council for the construction of a public-private scheme comprising housing, offices and retail. This scheme is now under construction.

Client: Dublin City Council
Value: €60,000,000

Size: 246 no. residential units, commercial units & community facilities
Reference: Mr. Brendan Sullivan, Deputy City Architect, DCC
Design: 2003